Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner referred for criminal investigation

U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond has referred Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Conviction Integrity Unit chief Matthew Stiegler to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a possible criminal investigation. The referral follows findings that the officials may have misled the court, pressured staff to create false narratives, and obstructed justice while attempting to overturn a murder conviction.

The matter involves the case of Dennis Johnson, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2010 for a 2009 murder. While the District Attorney’s office had historically opposed Johnson’s post-conviction bids, Krasner’s administration reversed its stance in 2022 and supported his release. Judge Diamond found that the office appeared to be “hunting for reasons to ‘concede’ the case” and suggested the conduct could amount to perjury, false statements, and conspiracy.

As part of the ruling, Krasner and Stiegler were removed from the case. No formal charges have been filed at this time.